A life lived for others: Aunty Nola’s journey of community, love, and service

Client spotlight: At allcare, we like to highlight the remarkable journeys and achievements of our valued clients.

In the heart of Nowra, allcare client and First Nations woman Nola Stephens, (affectionately known as Aunty Nola) is a beacon of community spirit. Born in Kiama, she moved to Nowra at the age of two, and has been deeply intertwined with her community ever since. Nola reflects on her journey with a warmth that mirrors the upbringing she cherishes.

“The best part was being part of a community that cared. We grew up in a close-knit community participating in programs like the local bushfire brigade and Sunday school,” reminisces Nola. Her childhood was marked by a sense of belonging, where community programs and shared values fostered a sense of responsibility and connection.

Nola demonstrated an early dedication to community service in her high school years through her involvement with the Red Cross. “It takes a village to raise a child,” she reflects, encapsulating the essence of her upbringing. Her family’s active participation in the local bushfire brigade and Progress Association further fuelled her commitment to community involvement.

In addition to her parents, the most influential person in Nola’s life was Gran Knavanstrom. Fondly known as the ‘Lady of Illaroo road,’ Gran, like Nola, lived with deafness. Gran became a mentor, guiding Nola through the intricacies of navigating life with hearing loss. Their weekly rituals of baking, walking, and shared lunches forged a strong bond and taught Nola invaluable lessons in resilience and friendship.

Nola knew early on that she wanted a profession that allowed her to connect with people on a personal level. Due to her empathetic nature, she was encouraged to pursue a career in nursing, but instead, made the decision to become a domestic cleaner in childcare and aged care homes. This aligned better with her hearing-ability and still allowed her to positively impact people’s lives.

In addition to her work, Nola has been a committed volunteer, acting as the Consumer Advocate for the Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and giving 20 years of service to Meals on Wheels and 22 years in the Illaroo Road bush fire brigade.

Nola’s passion lies in paying her good-fortune forward through helping others, advocating for those in need, and giving back to a community that has always supported her.

Nola’s involvement in the Shoalhaven Council Access Committee highlights her commitment to making the community more accessible for older people and those with disabilities. Through her efforts, better footpaths and parking were made a reality to make businesses more accessible.

Nola’s professional accomplishments are also extensive. After turning 50, she returned to TAFE, earning certifications in Year 10, Year 12, Auslan, and Aboriginal studies — a proud achievement for someone who entered the workforce at age 15.

In 2007, Health Cities Illawarra recognised Nola’s voluntary services with a 20th-anniversary Special Achievement Award for her long-term and outstanding contribution to the community. Her story was later published alongside the other 16 award winners in 2010 in the book “Visionary Voices”, immortalising her selfless services.

Amongst all these professional highlights, the happiest time of Nola’s life was marrying her late husband, Fred. Their love story began when Nola was around 13 years old and blossomed

into a lifelong partnership. This marriage resulted in her greatest accomplishment: her children, grandchildren and now her great grandchild.

When asked about what she values most, Nola answers without hesitation, “My life. I never thought I’d get here.” Nola survived a childhood accident at the age of two, where she was hit by a motorbike on Kiama bends. Her appreciation for life is profound. Her passion lies in paying her good-fortune forward through helping others, advocating for those in need, and giving back to a community that has always supported her.

Nola’s story affirms that her life has been a journey not only marked by personal triumphs, but also by the positive impact she’s made on others. Nola has left an indelible mark on her community, one that will remain, long after she is gone.